ZuzanaA: It was clear to me from the beginning of college that theoretical knowledge is necessary, but real-world experience is invaluable. So, alongside my studies in International Relations in Brno, I started looking for an opportunity that would enrich me and allow me to develop personally and professionally. It was important for me to gain new experiences and to have contact with the international environment. ADRA offered this opportunity and I found the field of humanitarian and development aid very interesting.

My internship at ADRA lasted for three months and my role was mainly to support the project managers and projects through which ADRA sends EU Aid Volunteers into the world. I was responsible for a lot of administrative and preparatory activities, which allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of project management in the humanitarian sphere. I also prepared project reports, PR materials and did translations of documents.

Despite many unexpected events when my full commitment was needed, I have to appreciate the time flexibility that ADRA offered me. I was able to set my own working hours according to my study commitments.

Since I am studying in Brno, and the organization continues to operate in a hybrid mode of work, I also worked remotely. The project manager and I met regularly at ZOOM. She always explained the tasks and sent me documents, which I then worked on independently.

The internship at ADRA was also very beneficial for me because I had the opportunity to see the overall running of the non-profit organization. After a short time, my colleagues started giving me tasks that required a lot of responsibility. Gradually I took over the communication with international partners, and I was also assigned to mentor international volunteers. Although I was a bit stressed at the beginning, after a few days I started to feel like a full member of the team, which made me very happy. I also gained some confidence in what I was doing. This is mainly thanks to the great people who work at ADRA and the trust they put in me.

During my internship, I actively used my knowledge of English, and I gained more knowledge about the non-profit sector and the many challenges that these organizations face on a daily basis. Their work requires a great deal of patience.

After my internship, ADRA gave me the opportunity to continue as an assistant project manager and volunteer coordinator. So I have more duties and responsibilities, which I am very happy about, as I enjoy and find my work fulfilling.

I have no other plans for the future. Most of my colleagues have spent some time abroad on volunteer projects. Maybe this is what awaits me as well. But time will tell.